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As someone who’s had ECT and is currently undergoing TMS, the difference between the two is enormous. With ECT I had to quit work for weeks and have a relative drive me to and from shock appointments. TMS appointments are as easy as going to the dentist, with only a mild headache as a side-effect. I haven’t had to take off nearly as much work.
A big draw of TMS to me was the low occurrence of side-effects. I had two bouts of ECT and while the first course of shock therapy helped my depression, it caused severe memory loss. I lost almost 4 years of episodic memory and it’s never come back. My short-term memory has also been impaired.
The biggest difference between ECT and TMS for me was insurance coverage. My insurance will cover electroshock therapy, but refused coverage for TMS because it’s considered “experimental.”
I have no idea if TMS will work, but fingers are crossed…
As a small correction to Martha–all states in the US do NOT necessarily have insurance plans with TMS coverage. In New Mexico, no individual health plans (bought on the exchange) will cover TMS. BCBS pulled out of the individual market in New Mexico last year. I had to pay several thousand dollars out of pocket even though I have otherwise very good health coverage, because my insurer denied TMS as being “experimental”. I’m currently appealing, although I’ve heard the process can take up to two years.
I just started TMS two weeks ago. When the doctor first set the intensity at 120% I freaked out because it hurt so much. If this happens, don’t despair–just make sure the doc sets the intensity much lower (in my case, 80%) and gradually ramps it up over the course of a few days. Within 5 days I was at the full intensity and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s no longer painful. Taking some ibuprofen before a session helps.
